St Davids - Britain’s smallest city contrasts a tiny population of 1,841 people with a remarkable cathedral.

Castle Combe - Don’t let the name fool you. This village full of gentle cottages and trickling waterways couldn’t fend off anything.

Your journey

Wales is an intriguing place.

Somehow this small country has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe. Amazingly, 20% of the country is protected by national parks. And strangely, their national animal is a mythical dragon!

Tour Details

You’re restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Discounts

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Important information

Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes

Tour inclusions

Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach

Air conditioning as standard

The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Tour exclusions

Entry fees to visitor attractions

Tour accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1

Bask in the peace and beauty of the Cotswolds villages

Venture through the wondrously rolling hills of the Welsh borders

You leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

This area of outstanding natural beauty boasts England’s prettiest historic villages. Your friendly driver-guide ensures you get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales.

Your first stop in Wales is Hay-on-Wye, the ‘town of books’, nestled just to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The route then leads to the beautiful Elan Valley and up into the Cambrian Mountains. From there, it’s an hour or so to the beautiful seaside town and cultural centre of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights.

Please note: on some dates this tour operates a reversed itinerary.

Day 2

Admire the mountainous landscape of Snowdonia National Park

Explore the ramparts of Harlech Castle

Travel north into the mountainous Snowdonia National Park. You visit the beautiful village of Beddgelert, where you can see the grave of ‘Gelert’, the legendary dog.

Later you travel to Harlech Castle. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales nearly 800 years ago, this mighty fortress still stands overlooking the peaks of Snowdonia and the sea.

After a fulfilling day in the mountains you return to Aberystwyth in late afternoon.

Day 3

Wander around New Quay and wish you could move into this picturesque little town

Walk in the footsteps of the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas

Leaving Aberystwyth, you travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay through the quaint town of Aberaeron, and to New Quay.

A sandy harbour, whitewashed houses, and connections to Dylan Thomas: this town is one of the most picturesque and interesting little towns in Britain. What’s more, is you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales.

You then go inland to explore the Dinefwr Estate and its ruined castle before heading for Wales’s south coast to visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas lived for the last few years of his life and wrote the famous play “Under Milk Wood”.

From here, it’s a short distance to Tenby, the small, charming seaside town that’ll be your base for two nights.

Day 4

Visit the only national park in Britain that’s dedicated to gorgeous coastline views

You see some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This region is stunning and was the birthplace of both the patron saint of Wales, and the Twdyr (anglicised to Tudor) royal dynasty.

You travel to the tiny cathedral city of St Davids for lunch and time for exploration, and you stop in the county town of Pembroke, where you can enter the thick medieval walls of the castle.

From here we return once more to Tenby for a relaxed evening.

Day 5

Delve deep into history at the National History Museum and the Roman fortress at Caerleon

Wander around the quintessential Cotswold village of Castle Combe

Leaving Tenby in the morning, you begin your return journey to London.

You travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales for a visit to the outdoor National Museum of History at St Fagans (public transport is available from the museum to central Cardiff for anyone who wishes to leave the tour at this point).

Next you head 2,000 years back in time with a stop at the remarkably well preserved Roman fortress at Caerleon.

From here, it’s time to say goodbye to Wales. You take the Severn Crossing back into England, where you have one final break at Castle Combe.

This gorgeous Cotswold village is perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th century ironstone cottages.

From here, you head back to central London.

Customer Reviews

Scenic Wales

Renuka Posted on 09/09/2019

The Wales tour was magnificent. Quaint towns, beautiful countryside, small tour, efficient guide, beautiful drive, right stops, wonderful companions.
It was my first tour with Rabies and I am so happy I chose them. Theyre efficient, prompt, friendly.
Would surely love to do more tours with them.

13-17th of July Snowdonia

Peter Sundberg Posted on 31/07/2019

Great pictures from our tour to Wales.

13-17th of July Snowdonia

Peter Sundberg Posted on 31/07/2019

We where two Swedes who went on the tour to Wales, it was an amazing trip, we can recommend it to them who want to se Wales. Great tourguide was amazing.

Outstanding Tour Guide Dan Hawes!

Mary Ellen Taft Posted on 06/06/2019

This was my first Rabbies tour and it was awesome. Our tour guide and van driver was Dan Hawes. He was personable, knowledgeable, funny, and one amazing driver! Ive never seen anyone maneuver a small road and turn like he did.
With 15 people on board, he was able to converse with everyone and kept all happy. Not an easy task with folks of all ages from all over the world.
Dan took us to great little towns and explained cultures and history. His knowledge of Wales was extensive and his stories kept us spellbound. He always knew places to eat and was patient with those of us who knew nothing of Wales.
Thank you for a truly great trip. I will continue to use your company in the future as I now expect all your tour guides to be as good as Dan!
Mary Ellen Taft
North Carolina
USA

Outstanding Tour Guide Dan Hawes!

Mary Ellen Taft Posted on 06/06/2019

This was my first Rabbies tour and it was awesome. Our tour guide and van driver was Dan Hawes. He was personable, knowledgeable, funny, and one amazing driver! Ive never seen anyone maneuver a small road and turn like he did.
With 15 people on board, he was able to converse with everyone and kept all happy. Not an easy task with folks of all ages from all over the world.
Dan took us to great little towns and explained cultures and history. His knowledge of Wales was extensive and his stories kept us spellbound. He always knew places to eat and was patient with those of us who knew nothing of Wales.
Thank you for a truly great trip. I will continue to use your company in the future as I now expect all your tour guides to be as good as Dan!
Mary Ellen Taft
North Carolina
USA

Outstanding Tour Guide Dan Hawes!

Mary Ellen Taft Posted on 06/06/2019

This was my first Rabbies tour and it was awesome. Our tour guide and van driver was Dan Hawes. He was personable, knowledgeable, funny, and one amazing driver! Ive never seen anyone maneuver a small road and turn like he did.
With 15 people on board, he was able to converse with everyone and kept all happy. Not an easy task with folks of all ages from all over the world.
Dan took us to great little towns and explained cultures and history. His knowledge of Wales was extensive and his stories kept us spellbound. He always knew places to eat and was patient with those of us who knew nothing of Wales.
Thank you for a truly great trip. I will continue to use your company in the future as I now expect all your tour guides to be as good as Dan!
Mary Ellen Taft
North Carolina
USA

Amazing trip!

Anne Bates Posted on 03/10/2018

Did my first ever Rabbies tour had the best time. Wonderful guide (thanks Steve), made new friends, and saw the most beautiful places. Thanks so much for looking after us all so well.

Tour Experience

Catherine and Barry Mitchell Posted on 23/06/2018

We toured Wales with Dan Hawes from May 14th to 18th. What a treat he was to have as our tour guide/driver. Being Welsh, he was able to give us great insight into Welsh history and current affairs. He got us onto some of the narrowest roads that could fit the coach so we could experience places that the big coaches would have trouble accessing. He took great care of the group and was extremely charming. He certainly helped to make the tour extra special.

Wales with Nick

Myrna Tracy Posted on 17/05/2018

What a great tour of Wales we had! Nick provided excellent information and was very pleasant to be around. We saw fabulous sights and learned lots. I would not hesitate to recommend this tour for anyone who is at all interested in visiting Wales. Lovely bonus to pass through the Cotswolds both going from and coming to London. Well done (as usual) Rabbies!

Great Tour!

Marti Posted on 28/06/2017

My third Rabbies tour in 3 years. Fantastic tour with Andy...whos very knowledgeable, great driver and has a wonderful sense of humor. Visited a variety of sites and indeed, discovered Wales. Highly recommend going on this tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay two nights in Aberystwyth and two nights in Tenby.

How does the accommodation work?

Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.

I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?

Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts. You’ll pay your accommodation directly. Most don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.

What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?

Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren't guaranteed and carry a surcharge. Please contact rooms@rabbies.com if you have any questions.

I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?

You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central.

What if I cancel my tour at short notice?

If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation. And occasionally you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.

What are the accommodation types?

We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard. The prices below are for guidance only.

B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard

The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is £35 - £40 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single standard room is £40 - £60 per night.

B&B En suite

The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £45 - £60 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £60 - £80 per night.

Hotels

Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price.

Hotel 3 star - £70 - £85 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £85 - £130 per night.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.

FAQs

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies.

What are your cancellation policies?

We have a cancellation period of three days for our one day tours, and 21 days for longer tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion.
Click here
to view full terms and conditions.

What is a guaranteed departure?

It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click
here
to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our
terms and conditions
for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email
tours@rabbies.com
, or check out our full
FAQs
.